Finger nail detergent



Patented Sept. 20, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE THEODORE IF.BRADLEY, OF WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO ELLIS-FOSTER COMPANY, OFMONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY FINGER NAIL DETERGENTNo Drawing.

This invention relates to a finger nail detergent specifically intendedfor cleansing the finger nails of dirt, oils and coatings such asnitrocellulose, glossy lacquer, and the like.

The object of this invention is to provide an effective detergent,preferably of a mild or substantially odorless nature which containshydroxylated substances active .111 cleansing the finger nails fromforeign substances of a varied character.

As the essential component of the detergent I may employ hydroxylatedbodies of the nature of the glycols, or, preferably utilize some of thederivatives of the glycols and which contain a free hydroXyl group. Oneof these which is appropriate for use in the present invention is themono ethyl ether of ethylene glycol. In like manner, the mono methylether of ethylene glycol may be used. These substances have theadvantage of exerting some solvent action on finger nail enamel madefrom nitrocellulose. The life of a nitrocellulose coating applied to thefinger nails is a very brief one, as the coating soon becomes dulled,scratched, or chipped, and in the exposed places where the enamel hasfallen off dirt and stains are likely to collect showing in theroughened surface thereby produced.

Many of the common solvents are ineffective for this purpose becausethey not only possess offensive or pungent odors, but do not have thegeneral cleansing action possessed by substances having in the molecularstructure a hydroxyl group.

Inlike manner some of the esters of the glycol may be employed such asthe mono acetate, also the more complicated ethers such as diethyleneglycol and its mono methyl or mono ethyl ether derivatives. Similarlythe esters of diethylene glycol may be utilized.

The valuable detergent effect of the hydroxyl group for dirt, stains,and the like, is thus coupled with the additional cleansing 1928. SerialNo. 292,025.

action of the ether and ester group with respect to nitrocellulosefinger nail enamel.

In conjunction with the hydroxylated basis, I prefer to employ avolatile solvent such as ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, isopropylalcohol, and the like, or the esters of these alcohols such as theformate or acetate. In like manner, I may employ as the carrier fluidfor the heavier hydroxylated basis a. ketone such as acetone or methylethyl ketone.

Slight additions of perfumes serve to enhance the odor of thecomposition and m some cases dyes, or other coloring agents may be usedto alter the appearance. Preferably I exclude from the detergent anysubstantial proportion of highly odoriferous substances such as amylacetate, butyl acetate, butyl alcohol, and the like, since these wouldimpart an objectionable odor of banana liquid. I wish in particular toavoid an odor of this character as it is rather diflicult to eliminatefrom a boudoir or bathroom where custontiiarily a detergent of this kindwould be use Also, I prefer to have absent from my detergent fatty oils,non-volatile petroleum oils, greases, and the like, because these wouldleave an oily surface on the finger nails Should it be desiredthereafter to coat the finger nails with an enamel, the adherence to thegreasy surface would not be satisfactory.

Also, I prefer to have absent resinous substances which. might remain onthe finger nails and exhibit a stickiness which would attract dust anddirt.

Still more important is the elimination of waxes such as paraffin orceresin Wax as these might prevent from drying in the rapid mannergenerally required and at the same time traces of wax on the surface ofthe finger nails which would tend to prevent adhesion of thenitrocellulose enamel, in case the latter is to be applied.

In fact, I preferably avoid the presence of Suitable illustrativedetergent compositions are set forth in the following formulae: A.

v Parts \fby volume Ethyl oxybutyrate 40 Acetone 5 Ethyl alcohol 55 Monoethyl ether of ethylene glycol 40 Ethyl alcohol 60 Ethyl lactate 40Isopropyl alcohol 55 Acetone 5 any non-volatile substance in mydetergent composition. Y

In its preferred form, therefore, it is constituted of a detergent basisof a hydroxylated nature and possessed of a medium rate of drying,sufiicient to allow proper application and cleansing by scrubbing orbathing.

' Such basis being employed in conjunction with a carrier fluid.

In the foregoing it will be noted that I prefer to have the carrierfluid in excess of the hydroxylated detergent basis. The proportion of60 parts by volume of the carrier fluid to 40 parts of the detergentbasis is well adapted to secure the necessar-y mobility and detergentaction. I

Absent from my composition are corrosive substances such as phenol andcresol and similar aromatic compounds containing the hydroxyl group. Thehydroxylated substances which I employ are neutral mild products freefrom any corrosive acid or irritating body. Preferably these haveboiling points between C. and 200 C. and are members of the aliphaticseries.

What I claim is 1. As a composition for cleaning the finger nails, aglycol type detergent basis having a medium rate of drying, and a.volatile carrier fluid.

'2. As a composition for cleansing the finger nails, a detergent basiscontaining a glycol derivative having a free hydroxyl group, and avolatile carrier fluid, the composition being rapid drying.

3. As a composition for cleaning the finger nails, a compound boilingbetween 100 and 200 0. selected from the group consisting of glycols,glycol ethers, and aliphatic hydroxy esters, and a volatile carrierfluid, the composition being rapid drying and substantially free fromirritating and corrosive action.

THEODORE F. BRADLEY.

